Certain areas to be preserved as memorial parks, says Special Representative

In line with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s directives, specific areas in each regional center will remain untouched, preserving ruins as they are without restoration, according to Emin Huseynov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, Report informs.

Speaking at the 1st Islamic World Culture Forum on "Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period," held in Shusha on April 17, Huseynov explained that these preserved areas will serve as open-air memorial parks:

"This initiative is part of the Occupation and Victory Museums project. It not only holds symbolic meaning but also carries profound cultural and spiritual significance. These ruins represent history for those who lived there. A similar project is being planned for the Memorial Complex and Victory Museum in Fuzuli, where visitors will experience the military battles for the liberation of Fuzuli through modern display methods, including 3D technology."

Additionally, Huseynov highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, including the construction of 16 roads totaling approximately 600 kilometers.

“The railway connecting Barda to Aghdam and the international airport in Fuzuli stand out as key projects in the region. In just eight months, the area was cleared of mines, and a world-class international airport was constructed in Fuzuli. The region now features 10 electrical substations, four large water reservoirs, two water canals, and two main gas pipelines. Residential complexes have also been established, showcasing significant socio-economic infrastructure. For example, School No. 1 in Aghdam city, the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center in Fuzuli city, and Mirza Ulugbey Secondary School No. 1 in Fuzuli city are among the completed projects," he noted.

Huseynov also underscored plans for significant reconstruction efforts in the region, including the establishment of eight residential neighborhoods, one settlement, 23 villages, six kindergartens, five schools, and two central hospitals.

"Along with infrastructure projects, the protection and restoration of our cultural heritage is also one of the priorities in the reconstruction process, because all historical, cultural, and religious monuments in Karabakh have been completely destroyed or savagely desecrated. The famous landmark of Aghdam, the Juma Mosque, has been restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and the restoration of another ancient mosque in Giyasli village is currently ongoing," Huseynov stated.

He noted that the Imaret Complex, a site of great cultural significance to the Azerbaijani people, was fully restored last year. A total of 213 graves were discovered and restored in the area, with DNA samples collected from some graves for future analysis.

Huseynov also highlighted the ongoing restoration of the Shahbulag complex, stating, "Shahbulag fortress was once the second fortress of the Karabakh Khanate. Upon completion, this restoration will greatly enhance the region's tourism potential."